Stories

Its been four months since Mayor Kristal Chopp and the new Council took office. Her Worship shared with us “what’s on her plate” around the Council table.

Kristal is an accomplished graduate from both the Richard Ivey School of Business and McMaster University holding an MBA plus engineering and law degrees. On the practical side, she is an Air Canada pilot on A737 aircraft.

The Mayor spoke well outlining major issues facing the County today. “Straight talk” - looming infrastructure spending is keeping the Mayor up at night – examples: $10M for a bridge on the Long Point Causeway, $2M+ for remediation of leaking gas wells in the vicinity of Silver Hill, the need to expand the water treatment plant capacity in Port Dover $? (current treatment capacity at 3,000 cu. meters is insufficient to service peak demand of 5,000 cu. metres should the water tower ever go offline by reason of service or failure). The list goes on.

Strategically Norfolk County is only 16,000 sq. kms. Yet an infrastructure assessment report shows 230 structures rated for risk of significant expenditure or near future replacement (my apologies to the Mayor if I didn’t get this quite right). However, the message is simple - Norfolk’s situation is non-enviable compared to other municipalities.

Of funding – Ontario announced a new $30 billion infrastructure fund – one of the primary tasks for the new CAO Harry Schlange is to go to Queen’s Park and get Norfolk’s share of that funding. If “The Hub” funding can be secured from these provincial and federal counterpart sources it could proceed – otherwise it would seem to be a non-starter.

Questions from Rotarians:The Legacy Fund, reserves and taxes – interest rates have been low, if the Legacy Fund is not earning a decent return should we consider spending part of it on infrastructure repairs and replacements – in essence a better return? The new CAO is currently having meetings about that question. But its not that simple! The existence of Legacy Fund gives the County a better Standard and Poor’s Rating which lowers the County’s other borrowing costs. The County’s tendering and bid bonding requirements will and need to be reviewed. An example was cited of a recent instance where 40 tender documents were picked up for a project but only 2 tenders were received –the question to be understood and resolved is why so few contractors are bidding on Norfolk projects? So No!, the County will not be blindly turning on the spending taps. Rather, the new CAO, the Mayor/Council and staff are being tasked to get the County’s spending and tendering processes in order (in the writer’s words – ensure value for money spent).

The Misner Dam – similar to the “The Hub”, there is ongoing activity, but the looming infrastructure funding is the prime issue now.

Painting your building in Port Dover – Kristal intends to do this when some decent weather arrives.

Regardless - Council and Committee meetings, attending to seemingly endless information requests, appearances and not withstanding duties as a pilot, have all kept Kristal stretched to the limits. Asked if she will proceed with her property as a craft brewery – response, not any time soon!

Earlier today it was decided to reschedule the tournament until September 11, 2019 due to the course conditions at the Greens of Renton. The rain date is September 17, 2019. Members of foursomes will be personally contacted. If you need further information, talk to a Simcoe Rotarian or e-mail us at simcoe.rotary.club@gmail.com

Jenna spoke to us today about her one year exchange in Canada; and presented club President – Dave King with the banner from her sponsor club The Rotary Club of Puijo, Suomi (Finland). The banner depicts mountains with their tower (like CN Tower but only 150 metres high), the city skyline and the sea. But for this year the Rotary Club of Simcoe along with host families and Holy Trinity School is her home.

Jenna showed us pictures of her family and friends in Finland, her two dogs, her brother’s rabbit and sites around her home in the city of Kuopio. Maps of Finland showed changing borders over 600 years with encroachments and returns by both Sweden and Russia. The story goes that when drawing the eastern border, circa 1947, that Stalin put his thumb into the otherwise straight line eastern border to include a large nickel deposit (strategic metal) in Russia. We asked Jenna about their Russian neighbours. She said the predominate culture is that people either love them or dislike them.

Jenna finds Canadians friendly and outgoing. She explained with cartoons that Finlanders only say hello to people they know. The caricature on the bus avoids eye contact with someone they don’t know hoping they will not sit in the empty seat beside them (really, that happens in Canada as well)! Jenna finds school easier in Canada. Finland has preschool but Grade 1 starts at age 7 and learning continues on a more intense basis.

Jenna’s parents are coming to Simcoe in June to coincide and see Jenna perform with the Holy Trinity Concert Band. Garry MacMillan, our Exchange Student Coordinator, reminisced that when he first reviewed Jenna’s Rotary Exchange Application that she had listed interests mostly in the “Arts”. But since that time Jenna now lists as her memories numerous sports and outdoor activities – winter camping in Algonquin Park, attending a Buffalo Bills game last fall (which in Buffalo’s open air stadium can often be a winter camping adventure itself), skating on the canal in Ottawa, curling, swimming, skiing at Holiday Valley. Exchange student field trips and conferences included New York City and Central Park for four days, Niagara Falls, Toronto and the CN Tower, Jamestown Zoo, and Pumpkinfest in Waterford.

(left to right Principal - Tracy Rodrigues, club President - Dave King, club Community Service Director - Rick Horncharsky)

Tracy was raised in Norfolk County and became principal of Langton Public School in 2015. Tracy observes that by standards across the Grand Erie District School Board, the Langton school is small with 180 students from 150 families. When Tracy arrived, as Principal, the aged playground equipment consisted of rusted swings, slides and teeter-totters. These were since condemned as unsafe and “roped off” with orange snow fencing.

The playground today consists of sand pits and game areas with painted lines on pavement. The children are very creative. But play can be so much more! In education, the benefits of play equipment are many – learn safety, burn energy, mental wellness for stress relief and learning. After school the whole community benefits through use of the equipment. But it seems that new playground equipment is fund raised by local communities versus school board budgets. Playgrounds are expensive. It starts with “engineered mulch” to cover the ground at a cost of $5,000. All in the costs are $50,000 - well beyond the ability of 150 families in this otherwise low income area to support. But support it they did! So 4-6 parents took up the fundraising challenge. Numerous fund raisers were held and outreach taken into greater communities.

Hard work is recognized. The “engineered mulch” is being donated by the manufacturer, 100 Women Who Care donated one third of the costs, Langton service clubs, Lucas Wilson, Taco Dinners all pitched in.

Upon hearing this, the Rotary Club of Simcoe presented Tracy with our cheque for $2,500 to push them toward the top and more Happy Faces.

Hadley grew up a few blocks south of Hwy 3 which was the de facto connector route for traffic to/from Detroit/Buffalo. As a youngster, Hadley remembers “gasoline alley”, between Queen Street and Norfolk Street, the colourful service stations signs enticing drivers to buy their brand of gasoline (most now long since forgotten); and long convoys of army vehicles, built in Detroit, making their way through Buffalo to East Coast ports for shipment to Europe during WW II. Simcoe was a thriving buzzing metro with 5 drug stores, 4 hardware stores, 3 shoe stores, a pair of 5¢/ 10¢ stores, 3 movie theaters and boasting 5 hotels.

By 1948 Hadley, 12 years old, was walking, running and bicycling around Simcoe with his gang of friends. Robinson Street divided the town north and south. Living at the north end of Wellington Park, he attended North School where the girls and boys had separate entrances and playgrounds. Simcoe had a bus service that stopped at Norfolk and Robinson Streets every half hour. Hadley and his friends would get on the bus and tour the entire bus route on the south side of town and then return to their start point in the north end. There was no such thing as a school bus as every child could walk to school North School or South School (both now demolished). High School students from Port Dover rode the Lake Erie North Electric Railway trolley into Simcoe. Seniors were conscripted as school crossing guards.

Wellington Park was very active with softball. Spectator bleachers held 500 people. Hadley sold refreshments to the crowds. There was no monetary remuneration; rather all the hot dogs you could eat. Wellington Park was created in the early 30's after a bad traffic accident at the north intersection of Hwy 3 and the trolley tracks. Dirt was moved to improve sight lines and steam shovels filled in what is now Wellington Park. The Talbot Arena was built in 1947. Hadley was a rink rat shoveling the ice clean between periods. After the games, Hadley and his friends played hockey until midnight when George Hofgraff would kick them out before watering the ice.

Ridley College slid by and Hadley returned to Simcoe. There were three main service clubs - Kinsman, Lions and Rotary - plus several lodges. Hadley first was a Kinsman. Then it seems as a right of passage, at age 40, he became a Rotarian.

Of fundraisers for service work and projects:The Kinsman sponsored figure skating and joined this with their annual sell-out comedy fund-raiser (Kinsmen Ice Carnival) where their members did comedy skits between figure skaters. One year the skit was based on the comic strip Little Abner. The two characters Earthquake Magoon and Indian Joe paraded around the ice with a big barrel making their Kickapoo Joy Juice. Hadley was hidden in the bottom of the barrel and fired off a CO2 fire extinguisher each time Magoon or Joe stirred the barrel with a long pole. The crowd went wild! Hadley stayed put in the barrel for the first and second acts. But, Hadley, realizing that he, with his CO2 fire extinguisher, was the "true" star of the show fired off the fire extinguisher unexpectedly. So startled was Magoon, that he dropped the heavy pole on Hadley's head nearly knocking him out! (heard from the gallery of Rotarians at lunch today "now we know why he is the way he is"). The Kinsmen also held street dances in the summer for the "farm hands". The Lions Club annual May 24th fundraiser variety show drew a lot of people and continues to this day. In those early years, Rotarians largely being the town fathers more often "passed the hat" versus being known for fundraiser events.

Simcoe had a population of 7,500. The Salvation Army Band played on the corner Saturday nights. The largest employer was the American Canning Company, at Robinson and Queen Streets; along with the Canadian Canners next door. In the war years, it is said that they produced half of the cans for the British Empire, running shifts 24 hrs a day. The Canadian Canners started employing women and canned all the fresh fruits and vegetables in the area. The Brook Woolen Mill was located south of Victoria Street (Old Woollen Mill Road) beside the Lynn River. The white (now) apartments located at the end of Patterson Street were part of this complex on the south side. The mill had an end off day whistle at 5 PM which was also a signal for all children to start making their way home for supper.

On the north end of town there are still remnants of former army barracks buildings hidden away on Second Avenue ,where 1,000 soldiers had been housed. After WW II, the buildings were deeded to the town. Two of the large buildings were moved to the Fairgrounds, now known as the Commercial Building and the Junior Farmers Building.

So in conclusion, Simcoe was a safe place for children to grow up and roam the town with only two constraints - lunch at 12 noon, supper at 6 PM. “Thanks Hadley”

Rotary Dollar, December, 1976

The Rotary Club of Simcoe, Ontario, Canada makes money as well as fundraises to obtain money! Technically, the Simcoe Rotary Dollar which is made of nickel is a token.

The face of the "coin" contains the Rotary International logo and the Simcoe Rotary Dollar description and the date "DEC, 1976". It is believed that the EXP may refer to the foundry where they were made. On the reverse side, you see "COURT HOUSE SQUARE", Simcoe, Ontario, Canada and a registration mark of some kind.

Governor Simcoe Square in downtown Simcoe was an unique collection of old, mostly vacant historic buildings in the early 1970's, namely the Norfolk County Courthouse, and adjacent Goal where condemned men have been hanged as well as the former Land Registry office and a small building. In the 1970's, the Town of Simcoe purchased from the County of Norfolk what was to become Governor Simcoe Square and renovated the Courthouse into the Town Hall and the Goal into a Public Library. The other two buildings fronting on Colborne Street South were use for offices and storage.

A number of Rotarians became proponents of the restoration when it was proposed to demolish the old buildings. Their prominent and forceful involvement in the "Save The Courthouse" campaign contributed to its success. This important preservation and reuse of old and historic buildings lead to other downtown restorations such as the old Farmers Market and Firehall building as well as the old Armories.

March 18, 2019: President Dave King and John Featherstone, Director, International Service presenting Assistant District Governor 7090, Lisa Bishop of the Delhi Rotary Club with the Club's annual contribution to PolioPlus.

Mari-Len De Guzman, Editor of Grow Opportunity Magazine (The Source for Canadian Cannabis Producers) published by Annex Business Media of Simcoe, Ontario introduced us to the Cannabis industry in Canada.

Medical marijuana has been available in Canada since July of 2001. Recreational use of Cannabis is now legal in Canada. In October of 2018, the Liberal government passed legislation to permit Cannabis consumption. Early in 2019, on-line sales began and provincial retail outlets soon followed.

Later this year, probably in October, edible cannabis products such as fudge brownies, cookies, pretzels and nuts could be for sale. Topical applications containing CBD (Cannabinoid) will join edible products on sale. Examples are face and body cleaners, moisturizers, soap and face and eye creams. Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) which will get you high, CBD will not.

Cannabis in Hot Demand

The demand for cannabis in Canada is outgrowing the supply. The licensed producers are scrambling to increase production. This situation has led to the closure of some retail outlets and also a reduction in hours of operation in the provinces of Canada.

There are projections that the industry will generate $ 6 billion in 2021. Two of the largest producers in Canada are Canopy Growth Corporation of Smith Falls, Ontario and Aurora Cannabis. Canopy Growth Corporation is described in 2018 as the largest cannabis company by share value or capitalization.

On March 11th, 2019, Kristyn Richardson, Program Manager of the Long Point Basin Land Trust presented an overview of the trust and its projects. The LPBLT which is based in Port Rowan, Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization that focuses on land acquisition and easements for the purpose of conservation. The majority of Land Trusts concentrate on “conserving the biological values of land, but some have been established to protect scenic, historical, agricultural and recreational lands…”

All of the nine properties that the LPBLT own or managed are in Norfolk County. The acquisition strategy of the LPBLT concentrates on watersheds with priority given to wetlands, Carolinian forests, sand barrens and oak savannas. One of these properties acquired in 2018 is named the Ken McMullen and Joan Shirlow Spring Arbour Farm Nature Reserve. Joan is a member of Simcoe Rotary.

This Norfolk County of ours is a special place. Most local school children are learning about the Carolinian forest that is growing here and the species of animals and birds which are dependent on the wooded areas to live. Remove the living area and the dependent species dies. Unfortunately, there are a number of species such as the Monarch Butterfly which are threatened. Ms. Richardson tells us of the efforts to learn more about the Monarch Butterfly by “tagging” them with a sticker. Even the 4,000 km fall migration from Canada and other areas to Mexico is threatened by insecticides and the lack of areas for their “food”.

Wikipedia defines Carolinian forest as… “a life zone in eastern North America characterized primarily by a predominance of deciduous (broad-leaf) trees. The term"Carolinian forest",is used primarily in Canada, and therefore often refers only to the northernmost portion of the overall region, in Southern Ontario”. Within the southern Ontario "Carolinian forest", you find a diversity of trees such as ash, beech, American Chestnut, oak, hickory as well as hard and soft maple, butternut, black gum, sassafras, tulip and walnut. For generations, the forest has been home to various animal and plant species. Conservationists believe that the Carolinian forest contains among the most beautiful and rare trees in Ontario and Canada.

Some individuals drink energy drinks to boost their energy levels. When you are a Rotary Club and receive a Thank You note like the one from Corrine Barba, it renews our purpose, energizes and reminds us of the slogan Service Above Self.

July 9, 2018

Dear Rotary Club of Simcoe,

I am sincerely thankful and honoured to have received your scholarship. Your generous support means so much to both my family and I. There are many financial challenges that university inflicts but your support will release some of that difficulty. I value my education greatly and I am fortunate enough to be the first in my family to attend university in Canada!

Once again, I thank you greatly for serving as a substantial support in my educational pursuit. It is scholarship donors such as your organization that gives students this opportunity.

There are three main sports that come to mind that our Rotarians are good, even very good at playing - Curling, Golf and Sailing. I was reminded that I couldn't add a fourth - visiting local craft breweries since it is yet to be considered a sport. On January 14, 2019, the Club met at the Simcoe Curling Club and upon adjournment some Rotarians retired to the locker rooms to change into their colorful costumes. Costumes is probably not a fitting word to describe what many were wearing. Apart from the color, you could hear the barking issuing of orders from the skip or vice-skip to team mates who are all very competitive and take the game very seriously. You might have noticed the weeks that have gone by between the event and the publishing of the story and the photographs. The delay was due in part to the heavy use of Photoshop to render the photographs. This is the link to the full photo album(slideshow).

When you become a Rotarian, you build friendships. Some last for decades. George Renshaw was an active member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe for over 63 years. The 102 year old Honorary Rotarian now lives in a nearby nursing home where the Rotarians in the photograph visit him frequently (but not before dining out a Simcoe restaurant).

In 1972, Father Tim Coughan, David and Christine Stewart founded the Horizons of Friendship.

Last year, the Club donated money to the organization for The Newborn and Child Health project in Guatemala. The Club learned that a $ 1,000.00 donation becomes $ 4,000.00 when adding federal money.

One of the six areas of focus of Rotary international is:

Maternal & Child Health

In Guatemala, The Newborn and Child Health project has reached 70,000 women and children with improved health services, training and life-saving equipment. If this is something you wish to contribute to, visit the website.

January 7, 2019. Major Rick Honcharsky, Salvation Army and Rotarian reported to the club on the 2018 Christmas fundraising campaigns. There are two campaigns such as the general one and the more visible one of the kettles. Both targets were exceeded. The Major attributed the success in part to the many volunteers. The more volunteers, the more contributions filling the kettles. Simcoe Rotary and the Norfolk Sunrise clubs had a healthy competition to see which club would volunteer the most hours. Our Club set a new record and I believe Norfolk Sunrise did also.

It is must be the Viking heritage that drew Rotarian Thor Olsen and his wife Elizabeth to the warm waters of the Caribbean. On second thought, -20 degree Celsius Ontario temperatures and cold blowing snow may have stimulated the Olsen's cruising in the Caribbean in January. Thor presented his slides of the trip at the rotary meeting on January 28th, 2019. One of the highlights was the visit to the Panama Canal. If you are going to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary, this is the way to do it. Cruising in the Caribbean!

While Rotarian Harold Shantz and his son (Doctor) Jessie were about to eat they had a surprise and uninvited guest. In the early 1960's, Harold was the administrator of the local hospital in Mussorie, Dehradun District, (Northern) India. Last year the two them visited India and Harold renewed acquittances and former colleagues.

Luis Portillo is the Rotary Exchange Student from Mexico with the morning club. When our Exchange Student Coordinator, Garry McMillan, asked if anyone would take Luis to the Ellicottville (NY) Rotary Club Ski Day, I said "I'm in".

I picked Luis up from his Rotary host family (the Pecks) at 6:30 AM. We had spoken the day before and rehearsed that he had never skied before; but plays soccer and rides a road bike. "OK you're athletic and you understand what balance is" - I can work with that!

During the drive to Holimont Ski Resort, we spoke about aspects of skis and what makes them turn, families and travel. An objective of his is to hone his fluency in English. At the end of his year, Luis said he plans to take the eastern Canada tour (Ontario, Quebec, and Maritime cities) option with fellow Exchange Student's to experience more of Canada's cultures. Luis starts University in August - studying international commerce.

But - today skiing! We're going to advance from "pizza" (the "snow plough" - a beginner stance with skis in a wedge to control speed or stop), to "airplane" (no ski poles, arms out stretched just like kids running around the house - to initiate turns), to "french fries" (skiing with both skis in parallel).

Luis learned quickly. After three "pizza" runs on the beginner slope, Luis was ready to advance to the main hill. Up the Exhibition Express Lift - introductions and conversation with two other skiers riding up on the same chair proposed some "green" (easiest) runs over to the right. A few more "greens" and now we're skiing the "blues" (intermediate slopes) under the Meadows Lift.

High noon - into the lodge with Rotary friends, old and new, fantastic hot lunch, fundraiser 50/50 draw and mind testing quiz - all thanks to organization by John Weismantel and members of Ellicottville Rotary. After lunch and more good directions from table-mate Mike , we skied over to the Sunset Lift - a wide open slope. Bringing it all together, Luis was free-skiing "french fries" (pic below) in control and skied "blue" runs back to the lodge to end our day.

Lauren Fulton, being thanked for speaking to us today by Past President Dave Ferris, introduced that she grew up in Simcoe and now lives in Port Ryerse. She teaches swimming lessons and life saving at the Simcoe Recreation Centre. We know that life's path has many twists, turns and opportunities.

In 2013, at her high school, SCS, Lauren met another local resident - Cherie Szucs, founder and director of the Tumaini Children’s Foundation (located in Tanzania).

In 2015, Lauren took a leap of faith, boarded a plane for Amsterdam - with Tanzania as the final destination.

So what does the Tumaini Children’s Foundation do"? Simple answer - "its an orphanage and a school" - but, that is where simple answers end and the humanitarian need and miracles begin.

In Canada, many of us take for granted that children will attend primary and secondary grade schools; then phase into the work force or post secondary education. In contrast, Lauren told us that in Tanzania if one does not have schooling there is no opportunity to advance. If you don't have a family to pay for your schooling and uniforms, then you don't go to school.

That's where the Tumaini orphanage miracle starts. Orphans now have a "family". They can go to school. Some arrive as toddlers; some perhaps aged 10-12. However, advancement is not guaranteed. An orphan, aged 12, who has never been to school starts in grade 1. If they fail they repeat grade 1. They must pass before advancing to grade 2.

The Foundation's work is supported by ongoing fundraising in Canada, Europe and the United States. Also hands on volunteers bring their skills. Lauren teaches swimming, so it was natural to bring children back to her hotel pool and teach them how to swim. Being skilled at teaching (but not at mathematics), she set up a fun map of the world so the children could move their players around the world and calculate how many were in each country (another volunteer was skilled at mathematics and lead the mathematical game - a win/win).

Last year Lauren returned to Tumaini. One of our Rotarians asked what happens when a child leaves the orphanage? She said Tumaini is a family. To those of you who have families, your adult children are still your "children" even when the're 45. Tumaini has supported some students through university. Some members of the Tumaini family have now "advanced" as safari guide, an anthropologist and a teacher - the miracle realized..

Our Ron Baker (soon to be stepping up to President Elect) has a big heart.

Valerie Bailey-Phillips from the Rotary Club of Caledonia visited us today to fill our compassion with a "Gift of Life" (valentines day chocolate hearts). Our donations are healing little hearts around the world.

Rotary does amazing work and fundraising. Due to volunteers like Valerie, 98% of the funds raised by Gift of Life are spent on direct care of children from developing countries around the world delivering sustainable cardiac surgery.

Barbara Anstead, NNCP (Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Practitioners) comes from a well established working/advisory "wellness" history with local businesses such as Simcoe Health Foods, Clark Pharmacy and the Dover Apothecary.

Today Barbara operates her business from her home in Simcoe (and was brought to us by our Rotarian Jill Taylor - her next door neighbour - luck is with us).

As the reporter today, I looked up the definition of the word "holistic". Of two dictionary definitions, I found

"characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease".

Barbara was asked how her work is coordinated with the medical community.? Barb advised that her work is neither practicing medicine nor pharmacology, but at the same time so much more than just nutrition.

Whether clients are referred to her from the medical community or word of mouth, the holistic approach recognizes that simply buying and eating "health food" may not make you healthy. Many diseases or physical conditions have triggers. So if the "health foods" you buy have those triggers - well you get the picture!

Barbara can recommend what diets and heath foods may either compliment or may exacerbate a condition.

So what is the reference to "technology" about?

Well there are also physical triggers. Barbara has seen amazing balance and wellness improvements with "thinsole" socks/tech inserts (by Neuro Tech). The technology works on wellness by creating balance/homeostasis (the reasoning for this is actually very sound) - especially in seniors where with age reflexes seem to slow or perhaps get lazy which can be the precursors to a fall. These specially designed socks/tech inserts change or stimulate sensory points just enough for faster response or perhaps use pathways that have long been dormant.

When it came to shake a leg, four of our Rotarians pulled up their pant leg to show off their stylish Neuro Tech socks procured from Barb.

On Monday, February 4th, 2019, The Rotary Club of Simcoe will meet at 12:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 79), 200 West Street, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 4K3. Please use the Metcalfe Street Clubrooms entrance. Metcalfe Street is one way from West to Chapel Streets. Also this Legion along with many others requests that anyone entering remove their headwear in respect to fallen comrades.

It was a murder of mystery and a Christmas party at the Lighthouse Theater. Present was a good crowd of Simcoe Rotarians and guests. They were joined by the usual suspects. The suspects from the 1950's had names like Johnny Angel, Donna, Peggy, Coach and the Chaperone. At times, it was difficult to identify the suspects from Rotarians as various members and their guests were drawn into the mystery of the murder by the suspects. Everyone had an enjoyable time. The food was plentiful and tasty.

On December 17, 2018, "Kenzie" Green-Johnson, 2017-2018 Exchange Student to France told the Club about her year in France and her European travels. Sometimes you can get a feeling about a person's strength when they have to adapt to adversity. In this case, the slide presentation on the laptop computer failed to appear. However she recovered and presented her story with humour and a willingness to interact with her audience. There was a "joie de vivre" in the delivery of her story. Bienvenue "Kenzie".

This lady is no stranger to a microphone and an alarm clock. On December 3rd, 2018, Jill Taylor, Broadcast Meteorologist presented her classification talk without a weather map or a laser pointer. The Broadcast Meteorologist is often the face and personality that delivers weather information to us. She works for Rogers communications in Toronto and prepares radio reports starting at 3:00 am, Eastern Standard and Daylight time. Hence the need for a reliable alarm clock.

Some our best speakers are Rotary members. After the "divine association" issue was resolved, Reverend and Doctor Cox is indeed a Presbyterian minister. He presented his classification talk with humour and wit for the second time in his lifespan. Each time, a man or woman of the "cloth" speaks to the Club, there is the realization among the humour of balanced individuals with a purpose and strong mission in life.

Rotary Club of Simcoe's President Dave King cancelled our Monday meeting in favour of a social fellowship meeting today at the bowling alley. Twenty-four members and guests attended the event with pizza, a short business meeting and then the games began.

In 1940, when Holland was invaded by the Blitzkrieg, our Rotarian, Dolf Wynia was 6 years old.

(Dolf Wynia and Rotarian Craig Hunter at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 79)

Dolf’s parents lived on the outskirts of Rotterdam. His mother kept him away from the windows lest stray bullets from aerial battles overhead enter the home. (The invading German armies wanted the shipping port of Rotterdam and the coastal airfields intact to launch invasions against England. Holland’s military put up a stiff fight; but with its outdated equipment soon exhausted the city of Rotterdam and Holland were surrendered within four days.)

Dolf reminisced about his childhood experiences. Bricks from bombed out buildings were used to build low walls from which Dolf and his friends could challenge youngsters from other neighbourhoods.But, simultaneously, Dolf observed unexplained (to the eyes of a young child) variances in the daily life and routines of his parents – their secrecy where none had existed before, closing the curtains against the songs and propaganda of the Nazis, vinegar bottles in the liquor cabinet. (Dolf’s father was a vinegar salesman. Vinegar was manufactured from fermented gin. His father brought home gin in these vinegar bottles and used them as the only currency that could gain any cooperation of the German officers.)Dolf was fortunate to never experience a shortage of food during the war years. First - his mother had lain in supplies of salt and vinegar to preserve food before the war based upon newspaper reports of failing talks and fear of invasions. However, a German blockade of fuel and supplies from farm towns in 1944 threw Holland into famine. Second - Dolf’s family moved about 120 kms north to their uncle's farm (via some wood-burning motorized contraption but that’s another story). Their uncle’s farm was self sufficient in agriculture, livestock and energy from burning peat and tapping methane gas from the bogs.This is the point in Dolf’s presentation where his voice and emotion cracked - the proud (as a survivor) reminiscences giving way to memories (now at age 10) and horrors of starvation passing by the farm gates. His uncle built a shelter by the roadside and fed the humanity passing by. One man had a small suitcase under his arm. Inside the case were 12 place settings of sterling silver. Starving, he offered that just for a bag of potatoes.

Norfolk Council/County asked local service clubs, business and other patrons to step up to the cause and donate to the funds required to update/replace "gateway signage" on the roadsides entering Norfolk.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe was quick to do so. Seen here is Chris Garwood (left in photo) , Economic Development Coordinator - Tourism and Economic Division for Norfolk County accepting a cheque for $1,000 from our Rotarian and Club Secretary -Thor Olsen.

Did you know that World Vision is the third largest charity in the world, following the United Nations and the Red Cross. They are organized in 115 countries. Lindsay Gladding (left in photo being thanked by Rotarian Rick Honcharsky) is a Director of World Vision, Canada. A contact through our club President, Dave King's daughter brought Lindsay to us today.

Lindsay was on point but admitted some lingering lapses have spent 58 hours in the air last week touching down in disaster zones in Indonesia - earth quakes at 7.4 magnitude causing tsunamis and landslides from soil liquefaction- plus the jet lag home to Canada.

World Vision began in 1947 when a missionary abroad spoke to the head of an orphanage in Pakistan who had to turn away children due to lack of capacity/funding. On the spot he gave her $5 in local currency and promised and did raise funds and sent funds every month thereafter.

World Vision is focused on children's needs but their scope is coordinated through a global strategy. It may include rebuilding a school, it may include providing warmth and shelter. But needs are dynamic! One family may need a blanket, another may need food. Direct cash payments are used sometimes - so the family can buy what they "need". If cash is too risky, vouchers are used. If merchants try to rise prices, World Vision contracts with select merchants to keep fair prices. But most often the merchants business has been destroyed as well and they are also trying to rebuild their communities and charging fair prices.

Lindsay told us that World Vision assisted in 170 crises this year. In 2017 86 cents on the dollar of funds raised was spent as direct aid.

Hal Whitcomb (on left in photo with Rotarian and Salvation Army Captain Rick Honchowski) is in charge of raising $100,000 this year through the kettle campaign across Norfolk and Haldimand counties. The Kettle Campaign is their biggest fundraiser.

He is asking us (Rotarians and others) to volunteer for 2 hour "kettle shifts" in front of local retail merchants. Each kettle shift gives the Salvation Army the ability to assist one more family. Whereas a shift unfilled brings in $0 dollars.

That wry smile on Captain Rick, because just now he is mapping out a challenge to one of our sister clubs, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, to a contest to fill 50 Kettle Shifts!

The campaign runs November 16th to December 24th but not on Sundays. To fill a shift call Hal at 289-377-9167.

Simultaneously our Mike Cobb, International Service Director and club President Dave King are presenting Nancy with a cheque for $2,500 to drive us to the Silver level of giving.

Nancy explained to us that, while she is personally not the person to visit international disaster sites , she believes strongly in this humanitarian aid and gives back by volunteering to drive to Rotary Clubs across Ontario to showcase "what's inside" the Shelter Box.

The Shelter Box contains a tent, blankets, steel cook ware, utensils, solar lights, a shovel, basic tools and water purification sufficient to house a family of 5-8 people. A family can be warm, dry and supply the most basic needs while they rebuild their lives.

I can't get these images of beer out of my consciousness. Once I wipe them out, they keep recurring!

Let me explain.

The Club meets on the second floor over the Blue Elephant microbrewery in the restaurant's meeting and banquet room.In April, there was the official kick off of Rotary Lager at the Eat and Drink Norfolk Festival which celebrates the culinary aspects of Norfolk County.

At our June Changeover meeting at the Port Dover Yacht Club, someone "abandoned" a full can of Rotary beer in from of me. It is described on the can as a "crisp, blonde lager." The temptation was too great!

At the Lynn River Music and Arts Festival during the August Civic Holiday weekend, Rotarians were serving Rotary beer at the beer tent and pancakes, beverages and grilled cheese sandwiches at another location.

At an August off-site meeting at the Charlotteville Brewing Company, the club toured the new brewery and sampled a number of ales.

Fall is officially here.

If you belong to my generation, you will remember the Canadian musician Bryan Adams and his song – The Summer of ’69. It is a song of youth, playing in the band, love and drive-ins.

“Those were the best days of my life

Back in the summer of ‘69”

The summer of 2018 is no match for being young in 1969. By the way whatever happened to the Drive-Ins? This summer The Rotary Club of Simcoe had some fun, raised money, volunteered for community projects, and embarked upon a number of off-site meetings with outdoor dining and local craft beer.

Here are some of the highlights of the summer of ’18.

June 15th, 2015

Valleyridge Farms

2017-2018 Rotary International President Ian Riseley asked each club to plant a tree for every Rotary member. That would be about 1.2 million trees world-wide. Simcoe Rotary teamed up with ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) and our own Rotarian Larry Kormos to plant over 100 trees.

June 23rd to 26th, 2018

Toronto, Ontario, Rotary International Convention

President-Elect Dave King attended the convention as the club’s official delegate. He was joined by about 4 other Rotarians. Each conveyed their experience with club.

July 1st, 2018

This is the start of the Rotary New Year with a fresh executive with a new leader in President Dave King. Of the 9 Board members, six are new.

July 7th, 2018

Off-Site Meeting. Memorial Park, Rotary Bridge, Lynn Valley Trail

Rotarians such as the late Christopher Lee were instrumental in converting this abandoned railway right-of-way into a trail from Simcoe to Port Dover.Other Rotarians were generous contributors to the start-up funding and the “Club” adopted one of the railway bridges.

September 10, 2018: Rotarian Kelly Isfan presents a Thank You card (with a donation in the speaker's name to the Gord Watts Scholarship Fund) to Speaker Teresa Syms and President-Elect Margaret Bancroft.

Police estimated that 200,000 people visited Port Dover (population 5,000) on Friday-the-13th, 2018. The previous attendance record was surpassed by 80,000. Every major street contained parked motorcycles and the huge crowd spilled over to the side-streets, vacant areas and residential front lawns. It was almost "wall-to-wall" people with motorcycles everywhere and a strong police presence. Up above, there was a no-fly zone where police helicopters circled almost continuously.

Simcoe Rotary was there on Friday and Saturday at Lions Silver Lake Park selling pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches and beverages.

Wikipedia describes an"ukulele ( / j uː k ə ˈ l eɪ l i / yoo-kə- LAY -lee ; from Hawaiian : as a member of the lute family of instruments. It generally employs four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings. Some strings may be paired in courses, giving the instrument a total of six or eight strings."

Earlier this year the Rotary Club of Simcoe purchased a number of ukuleles for the students at Walsh Public School which is 8.5 miles south and west of Simcoe. On June 11, 2018, the club was invited to an ukulele concert at the school.

In June, our Wally Anderson was featured in the Rotary In Norfolk tabloid newspaper published by The Rotary Clubs of Delhi, Norfolk-Sunrise and Simcoe in association with Media Pro Publishing, Waterford, Ontario. The Rotary Wally webpage contains the story or click on the graphic above.

Simcoe, Ontario – ALUS Norfolk receives donation from the Rotary Club of Simcoe to plant trees for each Rotary Member on a parcel of marginal farmland

Representatives from the Rotary Club of Simcoe came together today to present a $2,500 donation to ALUS Norfolk to help support a tree planting initiative.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe was established in 1925, and has a long and varied history of community and international service. Most recently, Rotarians have emphasized that protecting the environment and mitigating climate change is essential to Rotary’s goal of sustainable service.

“When taking office for his year of presidency, Rotary International President Ian Riseley asked that each Rotarian in the world, roughly 1.2 million, plant a tree to better our environment.” explains Hadley Jackson, President of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. “Shortly after making that request we had a speaker from ALUS Norfolk attend one of our weekly meetings and spoke to us about how they make better use of non productive farmland. One of our farmer members had a small piece of land that fit the bill. So here we are, partnering with ALUS Norfolk and Larry Kormos to plant over 100 trees on land that is too wet for any productive crop but hopefully will result in a small forest for future generations to enjoy.”

ALUS Norfolk received $2,500 from the Rotary Club of Simcoe to purchase a variety of Carolinian trees in order to create a picturesque, natural space that provides ecosystem services while making use of unproductive farmland.

The Rotary Club of Simcoe has been a source of community pride and giving since 1925.Recently, the Rotary Club of Simcoe hosted a supper meeting of the four Rotary clubs in Norfolk County using the Port Dover Yacht Club as a waterside venue.

The agenda was stacked with Rotarian celebrities granting scholarships and community service awards to Norfolk County citizens.

ROTARY BEER IS HERE!

Rotary Beer is available at the Beer Store. Modelling the beer can T-shirts are local Rotarians Al Madill, Dan Hill and Dave King. The Rotary Emblem is on the front and the Rotary Four Way Test is on the back. Go to the Beer Store and ask for “Rotary Beer”!

A Smiling President Hadley Jackson and Rotarian Connie Forsyth who headed up our Ukele Project.

Over the years, Simcoe Rotary has been committed to the young people that are coming along. We call it the New Generations Service. This project is a blend of this long-term commitment and the emphasis on the music and arts. Aloha!

President Hadley Jackson holding large thank you card from Walsh Public School students.

When you get older, you appreciate larger print when reading your correspondence. The young Walsh Public School students are both creative and sensitive in thanking the Rotary Club of Simcoe for the Ukeles (a small four-stringed guitar of Hawaiian origin). Nʻou ka hauʻoli! (You're welcome!)

Amy Martin, Public Health Nurse of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit spoke to the Club about the Health Unit's Harm Reduction Program.

Growing up in a small town in a rural community, you became familiar with the addictions or substance abuse of cigarettes, booze and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The only Blue Jays we were aware of those many years ago hung out on trees.

Here are some of the highlights of the presentation.

The members of the Club learned that in 2016 our area had the second highest rate of opioid related deaths.

Since 2009, there has been a needle exchange program. Also the Health Unit has been providing street needles and syringes for quite sometime. Hepatitis B often associated with dirty needles can cost the health system about $35,000 a year per patient.

At the left is a photograph of one of the three Simcoe Needle Drop Boxes. You can dispose of your needles, sharps or syringes in these bright yellow containers. The boxes are located to the east of Riversyde 83 (Arygle Parking Lot), the Simcoe Public Library in Governor Simcoe Square and the HN Health Unit on Gilbertson Drive. Diabetics take note. Also the Health Unit is working on a plan focusing on public health crisis. It is comparable to civil disaster plans that most municipalities have in place.

Representatives of the Rotary clubs in Simcoe, Ontario are planning to launch Rotary Lager at an upcoming Eat and Drink Norfolk Festival which celebrates the culinary aspects of Norfolk County. Rotary Lager has been brewed by a prominent craft brewery and canned featuring the Rotary wheel along with the Four Way Test.

Hello my name is Albin Jung, I am 15 years old and I’m here in Simcoe, Ontario at an exchange year with Rotary. I am from Eschenbach LU in Switzerland and I live with my parents and my two brothers and two sisters on a diary farm. This summer I finished school and graduated, so I decided to make a exchange year in Canada before I start my apprenticeship as aconstructionmachinesmechanic next summer.

Iarrived at the 26th of August in Toronto, after an eight hour flight. My first host family picked me up, now I live with my second family. School started one week later. I choose these classes Woodworking, Basketball, Music and Canadian History for the first semester and in the second semester Transportation Technology, English, Healthy Active Living Education and Principles of Mathematics. In Switzerland, the school is a lot different then here in Canada, the Swiss school days are longer and we have every day other classes.

In this District 7090, there are 19 inbound students from all over the world. We met the first time in a weekend camp in the US. Were we played games and had a lot of fun. With this group, we met again at the 2017 Rotary District Conference in Niagara on the Lake and the Buffalo winter weekend.

Travel can broaden your understanding of the world. Simcoe Rotarians do a lot of travelling, sometimes to exotic parts of the earth in their quests for enlightenment, recreation and cultural enrichment. Now apparently our Tim FitzGerald has discovered that travel can result in a thirst. Tim send me this photograph that he had taken somewhere in a pub in British Columbia where he came to refresh himself during his travels.

It is early March and the tax statements, forms and receipts appear almost daily by land-mail and electronic mail. What to do when income is far outstripping deductions? You can get creative like the above cartoon or prepare for a larger payment.

Over the years, being some 90 years, The Rotary Club of Simcoe has acquired hundreds of these Rotary banners from around the world. There are several sources but the primary ones are our globetrotting members, incoming and outgoing youth exchange students.

Neeko Paluzzi (under the Swiss/South Tyrolean hat) returns "home" - But just where is home? Who is Neeko?

Perhaps for you and I simply reciting your street address and name will answer that question quickly enough. But not so for Neeko! Yes, Neeko grew up in Norfolk and now resides in Ottawa as an artist, an educator and with involvement in the Canadian Council for The Arts. However, in 2006, at age 17, he invested a year of his life as an outbound Rotary Exchange Student in Switzerland living and growing with host families finding himself.

As is the custom, at the end of the exchange year, each exchange student writes a letter to him/herself detailing their experience and future expectations - Rotary collects those letters and mails them one year later.

However, Neeko wrote a second letter to himself. He left it in the attic of a mountain house inside a travel alarm clock stopped at 9:00 o'clock - only be retrieved by Neeko himself upon return to that place Wengen, Switzerland at a future date unknown - he returned in 2011.

Jen calmly walked us through stereotypes of Yoga starting with women decked out in the latest fashion attire and floor mats attending Yoga studios, to extremely fit people in extreme poses photographed on mountain tops. But there is so much more to Yoga available to all who practice its benefits and therapies.

Rotarian Stan Cox thanked Carrie Sinkowski, Community Developer and Co-Chair of the Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand-Norfolk for speaking to the Club.

January 22, 2018

Carrie Sinkowski explained to the Club what the Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand-Norfolk does and about poverty in Norfolk County. Poverty is present in Norfolk. It effects individuals, families and children and it needs to be addressed.

Karen Oakes of The Rotary Foundation and a member of the Rotary Club of Delhi presents Past-President David Ferris with a certificate recognizing the contribution of the club in 2016-2017 to the End Polio Now Program.

Karen Oakes of The Rotary Foundation presented the club with a special 2016-2017 banner for its generous support of the Annual Fund.

The Simcoe Rotary Club is one of the only 1,573 clubs to achieve Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving honors in their district. One of only 5,o34 clubs worldwide to attain the status of Every Rotarian, Every Year Club (attain a US $ 100 Annual Fund per capita for every dues-paying member during the Rotary year.)

And one of only 4,136 clubs worldwide to become 100% Foundation Giving Club.

Our Kelly Isfan has a taste for adventure. The Port Dover resident is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe and West Haldimand Hospital in Hagersville. When she relaxes with a glass of wine with a friend from Atikokan in northern Ontario, they decide to climb the Inca trail in Peru. What's next, the great wall of China, Nepal or the Egyptian pyramid of Giza. This story should read like a Canadian Indiana Ontario Jones script.

It wouldn't be the first glass or two to launch an adventure. At our Rotary meeting Kelly shared her story, humor and photographs with the club. The photographs from the digital projector were stunning and there was actually gasps from the audience. Wait a minute, maybe it was heartburn!

Kelly and her friend landed in Lima with a population of about 10,000,000. They travelled to the assembly point and took on the Inca trail.

There is little relieve. It just keeps going up and up and up. But the scenery is simply stunning or .... please hold while I find Uncle Harry's Thesaurus. Ah, here it is, a substitute ... spectacular. To add to the constant exertion, there is the reduced oxygen level available for breathing as you climb higher and higher. Altitude sickness is a real concern as the elevation keeps rising.

Kelly commented that it was one of the hardest things she has done. Walking uphill and gasping for air, you must be fit. From the photographs, portions of the trail do not have a lot of width. So if you are clumsy, do not book this trip. And if your wife books the trip exclusively for you and reminds you to update your will, become suspicious.

George Araujo, General Manager/Treasurer, Norfolk Fair and Horse show and Past-President David Ferris

There is a lot happening in October right here in Simcoe and Norfolk County. There’s the Canadian Thanksgiving, the Norfolk Fair and Horse Show, the first frost, the turning on of central heating or alternate heating source, the harvesting of crops and of course Halloween.

George Araujo, General Manager/Treasurer of the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show looking somewhat refreshed after the conclusion of the 177th fair spoke to the club about the Simcoe and Norfolk County institution. This year the fair ran from October 3rd to 9th with the Young Canada Day opening up the fair. All the Norfolk schools closed so that the students can go to the fair. George emphasized that the fair attempts to educate the urban food consumers about rural agriculture providers. Over the years, the Norfolk County Agricultural Society which is primarily a volunteer organization has weathered the good times and lean financial periods. The buildings situated on the large fairgrounds are aging and need renovation and investment. Over $ 600,000 has been invested in such things as accessibility and washrooms upgrades.

It is a fair so expect midway rides, grandstand entertainment (from country singers to monster trucks), all kinds of exhibits and the animals. The General Manager commented that this year the fair had 15,000 entries, a $ 2.2 million budget and an (unofficial) attendance of 120,000.

Simcoe and Norfolk County are fortunate to have large multi-use fairgrounds centrally located with an experienced, community-minded Agricultural Society and management.

Larissa Breedyk, ALUS Norfolk Co-Ordinator accompanied by Chris Van Paassen, Chair of ALUS Norfolk spoke to the club about ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services). It is a farmer-delivered program to restore marginal lands such as wetlands and steam banks into natural habitats for wildlife and natural species. Since 2007, there are over 166 Norfolk farm families and 1,400 acres enrolled in ALUS. Some of the principles guiding ALUS are community-driven, accountability, science-based, voluntary and market-driven. It is the farmer who is delivering the program by restoring wetland habitat, planting tall-grass along streams and creating pollinator habitat. He or she is compensated for participating in the project.

Norfolk farmers are innovative, progressive risk-takers who in my opinion can grow anything that the soil and the climate will permit. By embracing ALUS and similar conservation and restorative initiatives, they are once again showing that human beings are not alone on this planet.

In addition to his employment career and volunteer schedule, Al is our Club Treasurer. Al is on the Club's Board of Directors and today presented our financial statements and budgets accountable to the members.

One person can make an impact, but banded together across the globe Rotarians Make A Difference to the communities that they touch.

Meet Connie Griffin from The Ogunquit, Maine Rotary Club.Connie operates a shop in Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine and is involved in Young Maine Readers.

When I saw her insignia, I introduced myself as a member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. An easy conversation ensued exchanging ideas and peaking the interest of another shopkeeper, into joining the conversation, about Rotary's good work.

So wear your pin - you'll be surprised at the people you can meet local and afar.

1861 to 1865 - Canada was not a country yet but during the war 50,000- 60,000 citizens north of the border joined the ranks of either the Union or the Confederate armies.

Mike McDonnell, of Waterford, did a stellar job condensing his one hour presentation into 20 minutes for our Rotary Club of Simcoe. He made the point several times that we should not attempt to judge or understand historical events based upon our current day values.

Why did we join? - interestingly both men (along with underage boys) and some women as well. There was a strong abolitionist movement – some went south for the cause. Some went for adventure. Economics – the prospect of earning $13 a month in the Union army for you (your family) when you were otherwise cash poor was enticing.Mike related recited with pictures his research into the the individual histories of “canadians". Twenty-nine (29) were awarded Congressional Medals of Honour. Five (5) became Generals. His research and civil war passions include civil war reenactments and reading headstones in area graveyards for period clues.Example - Lieutenant William Cooke was raised, near us, in Mount Pleasant. He survived the war and is buried in Hamilton, ON.“Dundrearies” (long sideburns) was the Colonel Custards aide-de-camps during and after the War. “Dundrearies” also headed the detail that tracked down Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth; and is present (and died) in a painting of the infamous Colonel Custard’s Last Stand. Mike says that “Dundrearies” can be seen on the right center of the painting (three beards – two very long sideburns plus a chin beard). Of women in the army, as there were many underage boys enlisted, a smaller frame size and lack of facial hair was somewhat common. Further, there were no central latrine facilities. So the few women that did enlist were not easily discovered. They served and died beside their male counterparts.

What are Senior Support Services www.seniorsupport.ca ? They are funded 80% by the Province of Ontario LHIN (Local Health Integration Network). There are many local areas across Haldiman-Norfolk. Lisa is the manger of the geographic area centered in Simcoe. Lisa has approximately 500 clients aged 60 and over and disabled adults on ODSP.

It is the responsibility of the local area Manager to raise the remaining 20% in the community. Lisa does this with four events:

Flowers for Life

Annual September Golf Tournament

Decorate X-mas Tree at the Mall

Draw – The 12 days of X-mas

Lisa relies on volunteers. This is a worthy cause for anyone to volunteer and be fulfilled. A significant service component is transportation in the community. Seniors unable to drive or without another network of support may require transportation such as to: social events organized for seniors, medical appointments or shopping.

Transportation is arranged in advance and may include 3 stops before returning home. Very reasonable fixed rates are charged. The volunteers are paid a kilometer allowance for using their automobiles.

Think of the services that a senior may require. Lisa has volunteers to assist:

Adult Day Programmes

Meals On Wheels

Dinner’s Programme – for $11 including transportation a nutritious meal monthly or bimonthly

Volunteer Hospice and Caregiver Support

Friendly Visits by caring volunteers

Hone maintenance, cleaning and yard work brokered at low cost fees

Home safety assessments

Telephone reassurance – based upon regular telephone contact with the senior (to ensure they are OK

Tom is well qualified to do so. As General Manager of the Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association http://www.nfga.ca/ , his co-op members are interested to share and learn industry best practices.

Tom O'Neil

The scope of best practices was not limited; but to name a few: R&D, horticulture, plants, insects, harvesting, quarantine, supply management and governmental regulation. Fruit farming is a significant economic contributor to Norfolk County and supply of Ontario apples and pears. So this topic presentation is of high interest to our Rotary Club members and community.

Tom spent one week in Melbourne meeting with and touring universities, the fruit growers’ association headquarters and national quarantine warehouses. Next, Tom’s team spent two weeks touring farm operations in the Shepparton/Goulburn Valley region area - about 160 kms north of Melbourne. Of the latter, from Tom’s Power Point presentation, the Rotarians, farmers and amenities looked similar to what we find in our rural district. Tom said that, the Rotary Clubs meet in the evening – work early – then meet after the heat of the day.

Tom highlighted some interesting observations. Although their climate is hot and dry, there are enough “chilling hours” to accommodate ranges of both citrus crops and apple crops in adjacent acreage. Irrigation is supplied from the Murray River watershed that starts toward the eastern coast.

In 2007, the Australian government decoupled water rights from land ownership. Generally the practice was implemented that existing land owners received water which they could keep on their land or trade, 30% was set aside for environmental use, if required (e.g., flood gum trees in a drought) and the rest of the water became a commercial commodity. The delivery systems are computer controlled. The farmer gives notice three days in advance, confirms the order one day before and the next day computer controls pump the allocated water through weirs into poly lined ditches and into the farmer’s field. Due to sufficient rain fall the system in Victoria currently has stored enough water in reserve for a season should it be needed.

The farmers use a migrant workforce – in their vernacular – “back-packers”. The government tried to institute a 35% tax on “back-pack” labour. It created an uproar and labour shortage! The government retreated and settled at 15%.

Of significant differences:

Kangaroos shelter from the sun in the orchards. Kangaroos are unpredictable. So caution is exercised when approaching in a vehicle. You never know which way they will jump!

Also every bakery, along the way, proclaims with signage e.g. Billy’s Bakehouse - “The Best Vanilla Slices”.

Of quarantine, Australia, over the decades, has suffered some severe industry losses due to “imported” diseases. Thus any animals, plants or root stocks are strictly quarantined to be sure no unwanted pests are introduced

Our Rotary District is international and includes Western New York. The team consisted of Fred Johnson – Westville, NY, Brian Kerry – Simcoe (apples), Torrie Warner – Beamsville (multiple fruits) and the Team Leader our Tom O’Neill – Waterford (NFGA).

A reciprocal vocational team is being planned by their New South Wale District 9790 to our area in 2017)

Ken Smith and Daughter-In-Law Christine On The Roof of the CN Tower’s Restaurant

April 29, 2017

Story by: C. Richard Campbell

Photographs: Courtesy of Ken Smith

The next time your Daughter-In-Law says let’s go for a walk. You might want to ask where and how many metres above ground.

It’s billed as Toronto’s tallest extreme urban adventure - edgewalking. A 20-30-minute outdoor walk on the roof of the CN Tower’s restaurant which is 356 metres or 1,168 feet above the ground!

Feeling adventuresome, tickets are $225 plus taxes and include a keepsake video, printed photos and a certificate of achievement.

There has been the odd comment about Simcoe Rotarians being a bunch of old fogies. But Ken Smith, the edge walker joins our other adventuresome Rotarians who have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania;zip lined in Costa Rica; sailed the Caribbean; dived on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and on and on!

On Monday, April 3rd, 2017, The Rotary Club of Simcoe enjoyed a tasty and nutritious lunch at Scholfield's Bistro in Port Dover, Ontario. Then Derick Ritschel, Artistic Director and Megan Woods, Technical Director led the Rotarians and guests on a Behind-The-Scenes Tour of the Theatre. The building has history going back to 1900s. All those years ago, this was quite a grand municipal building for a small, fishing village. Since 1980, a reputation has been built as a successful theatre. One that bravely promotes Canadian productions. We also learn that a number of Simcoe Rotarians have contributed to the success by serving as Board Directors.

Alas this is one of the reasons that President-Elect Jackson keeps referring repeatedly to Port Dover as the entertainment capital of Norfolk. He certainly isn't referring to the bare-breasted motorcycle riders on Friday the 13th. Although there is a certain element of spontaneous Improve theatre about it.

How can horses heal humans? Julie Erb, Founder and Facilitator, spoke to us today to explain. Horses are highly intuitive. They are social animals without prejudice. They have the ability to mirror “your” feelings accurately. They are non-judgemental. Their difference, and effectiveness, is that they don’t judge you based upon the clothes you wear, your history or even the colour of your hair.

Julie herself is an Equine Specialist. Julie explained that she suffered depression. Her journey back was significantly accomplished through association with horses. Her passion has assembled a team of like minded professionals - Registered Psychotherapists. There are two horse farms - one in Norfolk and one in Haldimand. These are not riding academies. They do not teach riding skills. Clients are placed with a horse or among a group of horses to interact with them. The trained psychotherapists don’t question the clients’ behaviour – rather they observe and explain the horse’s (mirrored) behaviours to the clients and suggest ways to re-approach the horse(s).

The "healing" begins, for some groups, through simple achievement of positive “social” interaction. However, across a spectrum of mental health disorders, some clients (children, teenagers, adults) having seen themselves mirrored in the horses reactions, achieve heightened levels of trust, self worth and self confidence with lasting foundations in their communities, schooling and the workforce.

Touch of Haven operates on a fee base. There is a sliding fee scale reduction based upon clients’ household financial abilities, if needed. Thus the programmes also rely on community fund raising to support operations. Although their staff compliment is quite low, ongoing feed, barns and veterinarian care for the horses can be substantial.

Kelly Isfan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norfolk General Hospital and President and Chief Executive Officer, West Haldimand (Hagersville) General Hospital was accompanied by Carolynn Beam, Physician Liaison to talk to the Club about Physician recruitment in Norfolk.

Carolynn Beam and Kelly Isfan

We learn that this year Norfolk County did not give $ 50,000 to NGH for Physician recruitment. This is puzzling since the County had contributed this amount for a number of previous years and there is evidence of some success. So, whose responsibility is it to attract Physicians for our predominantly older, below average income county residents? The image of the fee-for-service “Doctor Welby” of the past who actually made house calls, delivered babies whenever and where ever they arrived and worked horrendous hours is gone. Today’s Physician is a self-employed professional working 9 to 5 in an office and probably doesn’t visit you when admitted to the hospital. This has led to recruiting “Hospitalists” by the Isfan-Beam Team. These are the doctors that treat you within the hospital. Along with Hospitalists, the Norfolk recruitment team is looking for Internal Medicine Specialist, Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Emergency Physicians.

The Recruiting Challenges

-Norfolk is predominantly a rural retirement community

-54 % of Norfolk is over 55

-Scarcity of suitable spousal employment

-No rural incentives to locate here

-Higher than average employment rate

You can understand an employer recruiting employees for a hospital. But why is the President and CEO having to divert operational funds to recruit Physicians for local communities and Norfolk residents. Shouldn’t that be the responsibility of the Province of Ontario Ministry of Health?

Economic Stat

1 Physician directly employs 3.5 office/support staff which leads to an indirect economic spinoff of the equivalent of 4 persons for a total of 8.5 persons.

On February 27, 2017, Rotarian Kelly Isfan, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital accepts the second instalment of $ 5,000.00 from David Ferris, President of The Rotary Club of Simcoe. The Club has committed to contribute $ 25,000.00 over 5 years to the $13 million Building A Better Hospital Campaign.

Simcoe Rotary and Norfolk General share over 90 years of history and community service. It began in 1925 when one of the first fundraising projects of the newly-formed Rotary club was the Norfolk General Hospital’s Sunroom. Over the years Physicians, hospital administrators, and staff of Norfolk General Hospital have become members of our club. Rotarians believe in “Service Above Self”! That service starts here at home and extends to our world.

Jim Lewis, Simcoe Salvation Army presents David Ferris, Simcoe Rotary President With Plaque on January 30, 2017

The Rotary Club of Simcoe and the Simcoe Branch of the Salvation Army have associated with each other for so long that memories can recall when it all began. The club has traditionally had a Salvation Army officer as a member as we do today with Captain Rick Honcharsky. The members of the club volunteer to man the Christmas kettles each Christmas season. Jim Lewis informed the club that Simcoe Rotary members manned the kettles for 60 hours in 2016 in which approximately $ 6,000 was deposited in the various kettles.

Our speaker today was Jeanne Smitiuch, Ontario Director of the Dollywood Foundation Canada. Jeanne (Jan) enlightened us on their programme that delivers, free, one child's book directly to that child each month until age five years old. If a parent, relative or friend reads to the child, it has been shown that the child is better prepared and in advanced reading readiness than their peers. This is an effective tool to fight poverty.

However, there is no means test to qualify! The Canadian cost is approximately $42 to deliver the books directly to each child. The child owns the books. Seen above with Jeanne, is Brantford Sunrise Club Rotarian, Wayne Brantchaud who reinforces that the Brantford School Board testing of children against an Early Development Index observed that children in geographic sectors where the Foundation's reading programme was more prevalent showed otherwise unexplained higher scores. Wayne says the observation is not statistically or scientifically proven - but a positive sign just the same.

Wayne has his own children enrolled. Of course Wayne could afford the costs himself - so he simply donates much more back to the Foundation.

This is a group of young people that are "hungry" for community service. Something Rotarians can recognize and applaud.

The Waterford Interactors organized and carried out a scare for food campaign as a Halloween Service project, to gather food for the Waterford Food Cupboard. On Halloween, they gathered the equivalent of 4-5 large cartons of canned food. In the picture above, they are shown after they delivered the food to the Waterford Food Cupboard. Hey people there are some empty shelves needing to be filled.

Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about. By joining Interact, a young person can:

►Carry out hands-on service projects

►Make international connections

►Develop leadership skills and have fun

With a "cool" name like Waterford Interactors, the group should get some black leather jackets and some even cooler graphics. Just be careful when you are invited to bring your "hogs" to Port Dover on Friday the 13th.

On August 22 ,2016, Dr. Sharma spoke to the Club about her participation with the World Health Organization battling the Ebola crisis in Liberia, East Africa. Working with local health professionals, the infection prevention specialist concentrated on keeping the medical professionals alive, reducing the transmission of the disease and setting up safe treatment and disposal procedures. Many of the African nations treating Ebola suffered substantial fatalities among their medical communities. While listening to her, you couldn't help recognize her attention to detail and the danger she was exposed to. Norfolk General Hospital is fortunate to have her on staff.

Ray Barlow, General Manager, Portal Village

This cheery fellow came to the Rotary club to speak about seniors! Many of our members have a few kilometres on their bodies. But they are not contemplating purchasing walkers and wheelchairs. They are too busy sailing, curling, golfing, fundraising, volunteering and travelling to exotic places in the world to do such things as climb a mountain. Ray Barlow spoke about being a senior. Demographics, marketing, and changing aptitudes were focused on but the key to healthy lifestyle seems to be to concentrate on living. All the better if it is a healthy lifestyle.

David Comel, The Laughter For Paws Show (October 28,2016) Delhi Belgian club

David Comel, Comedian and Friend To Animals Being Thanked by Rotarian Ron Baker

David is helping to raise money for the local Simcoe & District Humane Society. Canadians are among the top owners of pets in the world but the local society receives little or any government funding. The comedian has a serious side and pointed out to the audience that Norfolk County has a problem with thousands of feral (born in the wild) cats and dogs. These animals are not suitable for adoption as pets. On October 28, 2016 at the Delhi Belgian Club, he will perform. Tickets are $ 10.00. laughterforpaws.wix.com/davidcornelnorfolklaughs.wix.com/comedy

Lynn River Music & Arts Festival Announces Biggest Line-up Ever!

There’s More of Everything at This Year’s Fest!

June 21, 2016

Simcoe, ON…This year’s Lynn River Music & Arts Festival has a lot more music, arts, crafts, food and merchandise vendors, and family-related activities than ever before and they can’t wait to welcome you to Simcoe on the Civic Holiday Weekend (July 30-August 1, 2016) to enjoy all that is on offer!

Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Simcoe (Ontario), this Festival (in its 49th year, and fondly remembered as Friendship Festival), retains many of the tried and true family traditions of yester-year. But the new Lynn River Festival brings much more music & arts to the forefront! “We have booked a stellar line-up of nationally & internationally recognized bands alongside many local and regional favourites”, said Festival Artistic Director Sara Moody Veldhuis. “Lead by JUNO Award Winner TOMI SWICK, our lineup this year, more than any other, includes more bands (30+) and more musicians (150+), making music all weekend long! And the best part?! It’s all FREE to the public!” said Moody Veldhuis. (Proceeds from this non-profit event benefit The Rotary Club of Simcoe, and dozens of other Service Clubs and community-based organizations, and their ongoing charitable fundraising throughout the year).

President Tim FitzGerald is in Hillbilly Heaven on June 21st, 2016 as He Gives Rotarian Dr. Keith Sutherland of the Norfolk General Hospital “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign the first $ 5,000.00 of its Commitment

The Rotary Club of Simcoe "delivers" on its first $ 5000 installment of $ 25,000 to the “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign. The local hospital is raising $13,000,000 for the renovation of Labour and Delivery, Same Day Surgery and developing the Minimally Invasive Operating Rooms.

Dr. Shantz addressed the Simcoe Rotary Club on June 6th, 2016 to describe the impact on his young life being a Rotary Exchange Student. Dr. Shantz MD, MBA, FRCS (C) was introduced by his father Rotarian Harold Shantz who commented that his son had spent 29 years of his life being educated and qualifying as a surgeon. The Doctor also has a Masters of Business Administration degree. A very unusual match. The Shantz father and son are the second pair within the Club. If you have a torn rotator cuff, you might want to have your GP refer you to good Doctor.

Simcoe Rotary Director of International Service John Featherstone With $ 4,000.00 Donation To The Canadian Red Cross and Patsy Hoto TD Branch Manager

We all know that money doesn't grow on trees. But it does grow when a bank matches your donation to a worthy cause. So lets look at the arithmetic. A $4, 000.00 Simcoe Rotary donation is matched by the Td Bank.

$4,000.00 plus $4,000.00 = $8,000.00. Now the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta are expected to match the enlarged donation. The $8,000.00 becomes $16,000.00. The final matching yields $16,000.00 + $16,000.00. = $32,000.00. Can this be right?

The Rotary Club of Simcoe voted at its meeting on March 14, 2016 to donate $ 25,000 to the Norfolk General Hospital's “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign. Starting with 2016, the money will be given at the rate of $ 5,000 per year over the next five consecutive years.

The “Building a Better Hospital” Campaign is raising $13,000,000 for the renovation of Labour and Delivery, Same Day Surgery and developing the Minimally Invasive Operating Rooms.

The soon to be ninety-one year oldClub has a long relationship with the 90 year old Hospital. Both are local institutions that place a high emphasis on Service.

It started around 1925 when the Club raised $ 6,000 in "a whirlwind campaign" from public subscriptionsfor the construction of the Sunroom addition to the newly-opened Norfolk General Hospital. "It was an auspicious beginning and it set a standard that only a determined and Rotary-inspired group of men could maintain."

Many of our members are employees (both active and retired), hospital volunteers and served as board members. A number of our former members have been local Doctors. And some of us have been admitted as patients, well as expectant mothers anyway. Kicking and screaming from the delivery room.

Lucas Jones, 2016 Rotary Cup Winner

Congratulations On Another Successful Musical Arts Festival

Photographs: Courtesy of the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival

Story: C. Richard Campbell

The Rotary Club of Simcoe has been there almost from the beginning. Thirty years is an important milestone. The fostering of art among our young people enhances and enriches the community. It would be a very dull place without such things as song, music, poetry and theatre.

Individual accomplishment does not come easy for the majority of the young people. They have to learn their craft and adapt to performing before an audience. We applaud the participants, their families, the teachers and the festival organizers.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

The Greens At Renton

Each January, we park the snow-blowers and postpone the warm and sunny southern vacations to begin organizing another successful tournament. One of the first things we do is focus on you the players that attended last year's tournament. We want you back! Bring some friends or business colleagues. Form your own foursome. Have fun! Get some exercise, fresh air and golf!

Why You Want To Mark This Tournament On Your Busy Calendar!

You get:

►to play 18 holes of golf

►ride around the course in a cart

►to compete for various prizes on the course such as closest to the pin and the longest drive

►3 "Hole In One" prizes

►a lunch and beverage to restore your energy

►a tasty and satisfying catered dinner

►a silent auction featuring one of kind items (well a few anyway)

►every golfer gets a prize

There are more prizes for the top three teams in each of three groups and anything else we can think of.

To All Our Sponsors

The charity golf tournament just couldn't survive without the support and participation of all our sponsors. Thank you.

FIRE AT 3 WEST TRENDS BISTRO

There has been a fire at 3 West Trends Bistro. Director Susan Crawford been informed that they will be out of commission for 3-4 months. Homeless again! Admittedly, it may be temporary!

Next Monday's meeting has been relocated to the Trinity Anglican Church in Simcoe. Visiting Rotarians please take note of the change in meeting location.

Rev. Paul Sherwood has consented to Monday’s meeting being held at the Parish Hall (I believe that is the correct name) of Trinity Anglican Church, 80 Colborne Street South, Simcoe.

The church is located on the corner of Colborne and Court Streets next to Governor Simcoe Square. There is on-Street parking on Court and Colborne Streets. Presbyterians may want to park on Lot Street by St. Paul's Presbyterian Church.

In 4 1/2 months, so far, Emil has experienced a lot of "Canadiana" highlighting a Hamilton Ticats football game in late October, maple syrup, poutine, the Canadian use of the expression "eh". Germany is 350 thousand square kilometres, Canada is 10 million square kilometres. But in contrast, Germany's population is 82 million to Canada's 36 million. Emil said that his experiences in Canada have widened his outlook and understanding of different cultures and languages. Emil's current aspirations are in the airline industry.

David Beasley reading an excerpt from one of his books!

Mellisa Collver, Heritage And Culture Manager, Norfolk County

Rotarian James Jackson (A Man Of Culture) Presenting Mellisa Collver, Heritage And Culture Manager
of Norfolk County With Card Stating that A Donation In Her Name Will Be Made To The Rotary Gord
Watts Fine Arts Scholarship

2015 Rotary Holiday House Tour Wrap Up

This is our last major fundraiser of the calendar year. Thank you to the many people who purchased tickets. To our ticket sellers, sponsors, decorators and the good folks that opened their homes to Rotary and strangers, a very sincere thank you.

We Are Moving! We Just Don't Know Where!

If you are a Rotarian planning on a make-up at our Club, please note that our next meeting is Monday, November 30, 2015 and the regular meeting on Monday, December 7, 2015 is canceled. Our last meeting of 2015 is Monday, December 14, 2015.

Our first meeting in 2016 is Monday, January 4, 2016 at a new location. After decades of meeting at the Norfolk Golf and Country Club, we are moving. On November 27, 2015, our new location is undetermined.

Simcoe Rotarians And Guests Attend Ticat Football Game

Now that the 2015 Ticat Football Team's season is over. It seemed appropriate to post this photograph of Simcoe Rotarians and guests dressed in winter clothing on October 2, 2015. Actually the authour stumble upon the photograph while housecleaning the hard-drive.

The group is waiting for their bus to arrive. For many the ride on a school bus was a trip down memory lane to their childhood. It was an unseasonably cold and windy night and the Hamilton Ticats lost to Calgary in the final seconds of the game. Does this ending sound familiar!

The new stadium is impressive but with a wind-chill factor more suitable for January, I for one missed the big screen TV, the Lazy-Boy reclining chair and the fully stocked refrigerator.

Just in - Past President Thor Olsen displays the recognition plaque of The Rotary Club of Simcoe, as major sponsor to the Elgin Avenue Public School Snoezelen Room. Seen here, PP Thor Olsen is celebrating the good work of our club's Community Concerns Service Committee with Club President Tim FitzGerald. The plaque will be affixed in the Snoezelen Room. Thor and Committee - thank you - a job well done!

The Lynn River Music and Arts Festival (LRMAF) took place on the August Civic Holiday weekend August 1st, 2nd, 3rd 2015. Tom O'Neil was the 2015 event Chair. Seen here, Tom is handing over the fundraising proceeds to Club President Tim FitzGerald. Tom said three music stages, three days of sun, record vendor attendance, twelve months of planing and above all our sponsors made the Festival. Adam Veri, incoming Chair for 2016 hopes for a fourth music stage, The public understand the music festival and love it!

This is District Governor (DG) Kevin Crosby receiving a warm welcome from The Rotary Club of Simcoe's President Tim FitzGerald. Our Rotary International District (RI) 7090 encompasses 69 clubs extending from Delhi to Hamilton and across the border including Western New York State. The DG is a busy person visiting all 69 clubs in his 2015/16 year. Kevin applauded our club for the service (Service Above Self) of its members and accomplishments (Be A Gift To The World) in improving both local and global communities.

Rotarian Richard Campbell thanks Jason Persall, Farmer and President of Pristine Gourmet, Waterford, Ontario. Jason's business now produces 5/6,000 litres of edible oils per day. Jason shared how his original vocational skills (farmer) combined with value added skills (producer and international marketer) created an international business from the family farm.

Rotary Club of Simcoe's Al Madill proudly wears his 2014 Rotary Curling Tour blazer at our Rotary Holiday Party held Tuesday evening, Dec 9, 2014, at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, in Port Dover. A Rotarian is only allowed to attend once. So it is another lifetime goal achieved for Al.

At a meeting of the Rotary Club of Simcoe, new club member Dennis Zukowsky, a Port Dover resident, made a fascinating presentation of his full line of fire resistant protective outer wear clothing marketed under the Thor Brand. This is in addition to his original garments - safe protective work-wear, designed to protect people in a variety of dangerous and explosive locations.

Zukowsky has over 30 years of wide experience in textile garment manufacturing across Canada and abroad. Recently, Dennis has created Thor (Brand) Fire Retardant Fabrics. These are used to create comfortable protective outer garments for many active workers, who could be exposed to sudden, very dangerous, fire flare-ups, even explosions, in the work place. Example locations may be in the oil and gas industry, defense, traffic police and perhaps construction sites and forests, where flash fires may occur. Such workers are at risk to deadly burns when they wear conventional clothing made with conventional, unprotected, fabrics.

These are patented, modern garments that are both attractive and comfortable to wear, while greatly improving worker protection from the hazards of flash fires in both industrial and other risky situations.These are designed in Canada and fabricated in North America for world-wide markets.

Mr. Zukowsky held his Rotary Club audience, most of whom are business owners and active or retired executives, spellbound with photographs and film clips demonstrating his unique line of Thor (Brand) safety outerwear.

“Acquiring literacy is an empowering process, enabling
millions to enjoy access to knowledge and information
which broadens horizons, increases opportunities and
creates alternatives for building a better life.”` Kofi
Annan

2014-15: LIGHT UP ROTARY

RI President-elect Gary C.K. Huang chose Light Up Rotary as his theme for 2014-15. Huang is urging club members to Light Up Rotary by hosting a Rotary Day in their community, continuing our fight against polio, and increasing club membership. "Light Up Rotary is more than our theme. It is how we make a difference -- every day, in every club, and every country we serve."

District assembly is for ALL Rotarians, but especially those in club leadership roles for the upcoming year and those who want to know what is happening in Rotary.

Attend and learn:

how to help your club utilize social media to seek new members and to tell your club’s story;

learn what our Foundation is doing in the world; how your club can support it, and how it can support your club’s project;

discover how close we are to eradicating polio and what your club can do to help complete the task.

What is a vibrant small club? How does that help your club attract and retain members?

Find out why “Youth” is the new name for the New Generations pillar.

This year’s Assembly will have 27 sessions. Some sessions are targeted for club leadership or those who are moving into leadership positions. Others are for all Rotarians. It is important to have several of your club members attend to cover the variety of topics being offered. Watch for the final plan so you can choose which sessions you may attend.

Pre-registrations and on-line payment is mandatory this year. While pre-registering you can also choose the three sessions you wish to attend. Your choices will be printed out on your name tag.

Pre-register your members and fill those cars and make it a Rotary road trip to District Assembly. This is where all members, new or seasoned, will enjoy a day of learning, making new friends and renew connections with all of our District Rotary family. This is an important part of strengthening your club .

International Service - Ron Baker, Director of International Service introduced Collingwood Rotarian John Van Laar, who travelled with wife Cora to report on their “Back to School” activities in Cebu , Philippines.

Youth and Community Service - Robert Stevenson - Director of Youth and Community Service introduced our outbound Rotary Exchange Student, for 2014/15, one excited Ashley Abraham. At the time of the meeting, Ashley was waiting for a weekend Rotary gathering of our international District 7090, in Welland, ON , to learn what country she would be going to. We now know this to be Brazil . When Ashley was eight years old she met a Rotary Exchange Student.